Lauren Papanos Are you missing the signs? What your hormones are trying to tell you?

Hormones often get a bad rap for causing everything from mood swings to bloating. But how well do we truly understand what they're trying to tell us? We sat down with Lauren Papanos, a registered dietitian and hormone health specialist, to shed some light on the sometimes mysterious world of hormones and their effects on our bodies.

Meet Lauren Papanos: Your Hormonal Health Advocate

Lauren is a registered dietitian and a specialist in thyroid and female hormones. Having faced her hormone-related health challenges for over a decade, Lauren has turned her personal struggle into a passion for helping other women navigate their hormonal health.

"I've dealt with a couple of different hormone conditions since I was 19," Lauren shares. "It was a frustrating and confusing experience, but it ultimately led me to find a holistic approach that restored my health."

Today, Lauren works with women who are dealing with everything from thyroid-related symptoms (like hair loss, brain fog, and bloating) to irregular periods and fertility issues. Her approach is different—she focuses on identifying the root causes of hormone imbalances through testing and personalized recommendations involving food, supplements, and lifestyle changes.

Hormones Aren't Just for That Time of the Month

A common misconception is that hormones only affect women during their menstrual cycle. In reality, hormones always influence nearly every aspect of our lives. According to Lauren, many women unknowingly normalize hormone imbalances as part of daily life, not realizing how much they're affecting their overall well-being.

"We often hear women say things like, 'I'm always bloated' or 'I just don't feel like myself,'" Lauren explains. "But these aren't just 'normal' parts of life—they're signs that something may be off hormonally."

Symptoms You Thought Were 'Normal' Might Not Be

From digestive issues to fatigue, brain fog, and even mood swings, hormones play a much more significant role than we realize. Many women experience symptoms like bloating, constipation, and food sensitivities but have no idea that hormones could be the culprit.

"We've worked with clients who have struggled with digestive issues for years and tried everything from probiotics to gut-focused diets," Lauren explains. "But once we dig a little deeper and look at the hormonal factors at play, we often find that imbalances in their hormones drive the gut issues."

Hormones can affect not only your mood but also your heart health, metabolism, and more. For example, estrogen, a key female hormone, is crucial for cardiovascular health. Your estrogen levels in your 20s and 30s can impact your heart health later in life. So, while you may not notice these effects now, they're still linked to long-term health outcomes.

How to Tell If Your Symptoms Are Hormonal

How can you tell if your symptoms are related to hormones? According to Lauren, many of us don't even realize how far out of balance our bodies can get until we experience a fundamental shift in our feelings.

"It's easy to normalize how you feel and think it's just part of life," Lauren says. "But if you've been living with symptoms like bloating, fatigue, or irritability for so long, you might not even realize what feeling 'good' actually feels like."

One of the best ways to assess your baseline is by tracking your energy levels, often the most apparent and immediate indicator of a hormone imbalance. If you find yourself constantly drained or experiencing a lack of energy, it's a sign that something may be off.

"Energy is often the easiest thing to notice," Lauren shares. "If you're constantly feeling fatigued and can't seem to shake it, that's a major sign that your hormones are out of balance."

What Can You Do?

If you suspect that your hormones might be the cause of your symptoms, the next step is to take action. Lauren's approach combines personalized testing to identify the root causes of imbalances with a holistic plan that involves nutrition, supplements, and lifestyle changes.

"It's not about putting someone on a one-size-fits-all diet. It's about listening to your body and using the right tools to support healing."

Final Thoughts: Don't Ignore the Signs

Hormones affect so much more than we realize, and the symptoms we think are 'normal' might be the body's way of asking for help. By becoming more hormone-aware and seeking the proper support, you can restore balance and feel your best.

If you're ready to explore your hormonal health more deeply, listen to Lauren's full interview on our So She Slays Podcast, available on all major podcast platforms. Make sure to follow and subscribe for more insights on how to empower your body and mind.

This article illuminates Lauren's journey and expertise in hormone health while providing readers with practical steps to identify and address potential hormone imbalances. It emphasizes the importance of listening to your body and seeking professional guidance to restore balance.